The little boy who was tragically killed in an accident at the Hilden Brewery in Lisburn will be laid to rest tomorrow.

A funeral service for four-year-old Oliver Scullion will be held at the McCracken Memorial Presbyterian Church on Belfast's Malone Road at 11.30am followed by a private burial.

The family has asked for family flowers only and any donations, in lieu of flowers, to be sent to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

Oliver was the much-loved and adored son of brewery manager and owners Owen and Jenny and big brother to Maia and Patrick.

The little boy died as a result of an accident at the brewery involving a holding tank last Thursday.

Oliver's father Owen, the brewery manager, was also injured.

Oliver was the grandson of Seamus and Ann Scullion, who set up the Hilden Brewery operation in 1981. The Scullion family was too distraught to speak but wrote in a statement: "We are deeply upset by the death of a family member in an accident at the Hilden Brewery.

"The family would like to request privacy at this very difficult time."

Seamus Scullion, Oliver's grandfather said: "Oliver was a beautiful child, full of life and enthusiasm for everything he did.

"It is difficult to come to terms with life without him. We will miss him more than words can express."

Following the young boy's death, the family have cancelled the popular Hilden Beer and Music Festival which was due to take place at the end of August.

SDLP councillor Pat Catney, a close friend of the family who knew the little boy his whole life, said he was distraught.

A shocked Mr Catney told the Belfast Telegraph: "The family are devastated. It's beyond grief itself.

"This is an indescribably tragic accident - it is difficult to find the words to convey just how painful this news is.

"Oliver was a force of nature - this little blond four-year-old wonder who enchanted everyone who met him.

"He was part of the life here at the brewery, and I know the staff are also devastated at his death.

"All I can do now is help his mum, dad and siblings in their time of need. They will be forever in my thoughts and prayers."

Industry spokesman Colin Neill, the chief executive of Hospitality Ulster, offered his condolences and prayers to the bereaved family. "This is such a tragic loss," he said.

"The Scullion-Hanna family behind the Hilden Brewery are well known and highly respected across the tight-knit hospitality sector. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this sad time."

The Health And Safety Executive Northern Ireland is investigating the circumstances in which the accident took place.